Rio Tinto / Richards Bay Minerals (RBM) is inviting eligible South African Matric learners to apply for the RBM Bursary Programme for the 2027 academic year.
The bursary is aimed at high-achieving learners who are completing Matric in 2026 and plan to begin their first year of undergraduate study in 2027.
RBM supports a wide range of fields, including Engineering, Science, Health Sciences, Law, Finance, Computer Science, Data Science, Psychology and other disciplines.
Applicants must have achieved and maintained a minimum 65% overall average, demonstrate financial need and intend to study at a recognised and accredited university in South Africa.
The application closing date is 24 October 2026.
RBM Bursary Programme 2027 Quick Overview
| Bursary Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Company | Rio Tinto / Richards Bay Minerals |
| Programme | RBM Bursary Programme |
| Academic Year | 2027 |
| Study Level | Undergraduate |
| Target Applicants | South African Matric learners |
| Matric Year | 2026 |
| Minimum Average | 65% |
| Study Institution | Recognised and accredited South African university |
| Financial Need | Required |
| Application Method | Online |
| Closing Date | 24 October 2026 |
| Location | South Africa |
What Is the RBM Bursary Programme?
The Richards Bay Minerals Bursary Programme is a Rio Tinto opportunity aimed at supporting academically strong students who require financial assistance to pursue undergraduate studies.
The programme supports both core and non-core disciplines.
These study areas cover careers in mining and engineering as well as healthcare, technology, business, social sciences and other fields.
For students planning to start university in 2027, the bursary can provide an opportunity to pursue an approved qualification while receiving financial support.
RBM Core Bursary Disciplines
RBM identifies several disciplines as core fields of study.
Engineering
The core engineering disciplines include:
- Extractive Metallurgy
- Electrical Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
Sciences
The core science fields include:
- Environmental Science
- Geology
Students interested in mining, minerals, engineering and environmental careers may therefore find the core bursary particularly relevant.
RBM Non-Core Bursary Disciplines
The RBM bursary also supports several non-core areas.
BA and Related Fields
- Law
- Safety Management
Engineering
- Civil Engineering
- Land Surveying
- Industrial Engineering
Health Sciences
- Pharmacy
- Nursing
- Medicine
Humanities
- Journalism
- Media
- Communication
Management Sciences
- Economics
- Commerce
- Finance
Sciences
- Computer Science
- Data Science
Social Sciences
- Community Development
- Criminology
- Psychology
Applicants should make sure that their intended university qualification matches one of the fields listed for the bursary.
RBM Bursary Requirements 2027
Applicants must meet the minimum requirements before applying.
South African Citizenship
Applicants must be South African citizens.
Completing Matric in 2026
The bursary is aimed at learners who are completing Matric in 2026.
Successful applicants will be expected to enter their first year of undergraduate study in 2027.
Minimum 65% Average
Applicants must have achieved and maintained a minimum:
65% overall average
Academic performance is an important part of the selection process.
First-Year Undergraduate Study
Applicants must intend to begin their first year of undergraduate study in 2027.
The intended qualification must fall within one of the approved RBM study disciplines.
Financial Need
Applicants must be able to demonstrate financial need.
This is why the application requires information about the financial circumstances of the applicant’s parents or guardians.
Recognised South African University
Applicants must intend to study at a recognised and accredited university in South Africa.
Students should therefore confirm that their intended institution and qualification meet the bursary requirements before applying.
Preference for Under-Represented Groups
The RBM bursary listing indicates that preference may be given to suitably qualified applicants from designated groups where there is under-representation.
This includes:
- Women
- Persons with disabilities
Preference does not remove the requirement to meet the academic and other eligibility criteria.
Documents Required for the RBM Bursary
Applicants should prepare their supporting documents before starting the online application.
The required documents include:
Certified South African ID
Applicants must submit a certified copy of their ID.
The supplied listing specifies that the ID copy should be not older than three months.
Certified Matric Mid-Year Results
Applicants must provide a certified copy of their Matric mid-year results.
Provisional University Acceptance
Applicants must provide proof of provisional university acceptance on official institutional letterhead.
This is an important document because the bursary is intended for students entering undergraduate study in 2027.
Parent or Guardian Identification
Applicants must provide certified copies of their parent or guardian ID documents.
Proof of Income
Applicants must provide documentation showing their parent or guardian’s income.
Depending on the circumstances, this may include:
- Latest payslips
- Affidavit confirming unemployment
- Proof of pension income
- Proof of social grant income
Proof of Residence
Applicants must provide proof of their residence or domicile address.
Motivational Letter
A motivational letter must be included with the application.
Use the letter to explain your academic goals, career ambitions, financial circumstances and why the chosen field of study is important to you.
Comprehensive CV
Applicants must also submit a comprehensive CV.
Make sure the CV clearly presents your education, academic achievements, activities, skills and relevant experience.
How to Apply for the RBM Bursary 2027
Applications are submitted online.
There are separate application links for the core and non-core disciplines.
Core Disciplines
Applicants interested in Extractive Metallurgy, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Environmental Science or Geology should use the core-discipline application.
Apply for RBM 2027 Bursary – Core Disciplines
Non-Core Disciplines
Applicants applying for fields such as Law, Civil Engineering, Nursing, Medicine, Finance, Computer Science, Data Science, Psychology and other listed non-core disciplines should use the non-core application.
Apply for RBM 2027 Bursary – Non-Core Disciplines
Step-by-Step Application
Step 1: Choose Your Field
Determine whether your intended qualification falls under the core or non-core disciplines.
Step 2: Confirm Your Eligibility
Check your citizenship, Matric status, academic average, financial need and university plans.
Step 3: Prepare Your Documents
Have your certified ID, Matric results, university acceptance, parent or guardian documents, proof of income, proof of residence, motivational letter and CV ready.
Step 4: Select the Correct Application
Use the core or non-core RBM application according to your chosen field.
Step 5: Complete the Online Form
Enter your personal and academic information accurately.
Step 6: Upload Your Supporting Documents
Make sure your documents are clear and meet the requirements.
Step 7: Submit Before the Deadline
Complete the application before:
24 October 2026
RBM Bursary Closing Date
The closing date is:
24 October 2026
Late applications will not be accepted.
Applicants should therefore avoid waiting until the final day to submit their applications.
What Happens After Applying?
Shortlisted applicants will be contacted during the selection process.
The supplied RBM listing states that shortlisted applicants should be contacted within approximately 30 days after the closing date.
Applicants who do not receive feedback within that period should consider their applications unsuccessful.
Is the RBM Bursary Amount Disclosed?
The supplied listing does not provide a specific rand value for the bursary.
Applicants should therefore not assume a particular amount or claim that specific expenses are guaranteed unless Rio Tinto/RBM confirms them.
Any funding conditions should be confirmed through the official bursary process.
Who Should Apply for the RBM Bursary?
The opportunity may be suitable if you:
- Are a South African citizen.
- Are completing Matric in 2026.
- Have maintained at least a 65% overall average.
- Plan to begin your first year of undergraduate study in 2027.
- Need financial assistance for your studies.
- Intend to study an approved qualification.
- Plan to attend a recognised and accredited university in South Africa.
Meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee selection.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can apply for the RBM Bursary 2027?
The bursary is aimed at South African learners completing Matric in 2026 who plan to enter their first year of undergraduate study in 2027.
What average do I need?
Applicants must have achieved and maintained a minimum 65% overall average.
Which fields does the RBM bursary support?
The programme supports core disciplines such as Extractive Metallurgy, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Environmental Science and Geology, as well as non-core fields including Law, Civil Engineering, Nursing, Medicine, Finance, Computer Science, Data Science, Psychology and others.
Can I study Medicine?
Yes. Medicine is listed among the supported Health Sciences disciplines under the non-core category.
Can I study Nursing?
Yes. Nursing is included among the non-core Health Sciences fields.
Can I study Computer Science?
Yes. Computer Science is listed under the non-core Science disciplines.
Can I study Data Science?
Yes. Data Science is included among the supported non-core fields.
Do I need university acceptance?
Yes. The required documents include proof of provisional university acceptance on official institutional letterhead.
Do I need to demonstrate financial need?
Yes. Financial need is one of the requirements, and applicants must provide parent or guardian income documentation.
What documents are required?
Applicants need certified ID, certified Matric mid-year results, provisional university acceptance, parent or guardian IDs, proof of income, proof of residence, a motivational letter and a comprehensive CV.
Is there an age limit?
No age limit is stated in the supplied RBM bursary listing.
What is the closing date?
Applications close on 24 October 2026.
How do I apply?
Applications are submitted online using the appropriate Rio Tinto/RBM Workday application for either the core or non-core disciplines.
RBM Bursary 2027 Application Checklist
Before submitting your application, make sure you have:
- South African citizenship
- 2026 Matric status
- Minimum 65% overall average
- Approved undergraduate field selected
- Provisional university acceptance
- Certified ID copy
- Certified Matric mid-year results
- Certified parent/guardian ID copies
- Parent/guardian proof of income
- Proof of residence
- Motivational letter
- Comprehensive CV
- Correct core or non-core application
- Application submitted before 24 October 2026
Enquiries
For bursary-related enquiries, the supplied listing provides the following Rio Tinto contact details:
Email: RTgraduaterecruitmentsupport@riotinto.com
Alternative Email: recruitment.support@riotinto.com
Applicants should use these contacts for bursary-related questions rather than relying on unofficial social media information.
Important Advice for Applicants
Start your application early.
The RBM bursary requires several supporting documents, including certified copies and proof of university acceptance. Waiting until the final day can make it difficult to obtain everything required.
Pay particular attention to the distinction between core and non-core disciplines and make sure you use the correct application link.
Also check that your documents are current and readable before uploading them.
Finally, never pay anyone who claims they can guarantee a Rio Tinto or RBM bursary. Use the official application process.
Rio Tinto / RBM Bursary 2027 Summary
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Provider | Rio Tinto / Richards Bay Minerals |
| Programme | RBM Bursary Programme 2027 |
| Study Level | Undergraduate |
| Target | 2026 Matric learners |
| Minimum Average | 65% |
| Citizenship | South African |
| Study Institution | Recognised and accredited South African university |
| Financial Need | Required |
| Core Fields | Engineering and Sciences |
| Non-Core Fields | Engineering, Health, Humanities, Management, Sciences, Social Sciences and others |
| Application | Online |
| Closing Date | 24 October 2026 |
| Bursary Amount | Not specified |
Conclusion
The Rio Tinto / Richards Bay Minerals Bursary Programme 2027 offers an opportunity for academically strong South African Matric learners who need financial assistance to pursue undergraduate studies.
The programme supports a wide range of careers, from Extractive Metallurgy, Electrical and Mechanical Engineering, Environmental Science and Geology to Medicine, Nursing, Finance, Computer Science, Data Science, Law and Psychology.
Applicants must be completing Matric in 2026, have maintained at least a 65% overall average, demonstrate financial need and intend to study at a recognised and accredited South African university in 2027.
Applicants should prepare their certified documents, university acceptance letter, proof of income, proof of residence, motivational letter and CV before applying.
Applications close on 24 October 2026. If you meet the requirements, select the correct core or non-core application and submit your RBM bursary application before the deadline.
